Aplantfan

The crosscut sled is one of my most used jigs. I have two with a front/back fence and dual glides. One small one (24"x16") and one large (47"x24").
And I have a similar single glide. I view these not only as time savers, but also I feel a lot safer.

I learned this from the guys at Rosewood Studios. If I had known it before then I wouldn't have spent 15 years trying to avoid chisels and planes.

I'd be happy with your old bench! Right now, I do everything on my cast iron table saw.
However, I've got several slabs of maple for my top and some hickory for the base. Just need to get done with building two guitars and one wedding present...I'll get to my bench... I swear... I will...

Keep us informed!